what is shifting cultivation Related: Chapter Notes - When People Reb...
Shifting cultivation is a type of agricultural system in which land is cleared and used for growing crops for a few years, and then abandoned to allow the land to regenerate before being used again for agriculture. This type of agriculture is also known as "slash-and-burn" agriculture, because the land is typically cleared by cutting down and burning the vegetation.
Shifting cultivation is commonly found in tropical regions, where the climate and soil conditions are well-suited for growing a wide range of crops. It is often practiced by small-scale farmers who do not have access to modern agricultural technologies or inputs, and who rely on the natural fertility of the land to support their crops.
Shifting cultivation has both advantages and disadvantages. One of the main advantages is that it allows farmers to grow a variety of crops on a single piece of land, without the need for expensive inputs like fertilizers or pesticides. This makes it a sustainable and resilient form of agriculture, especially in areas with limited resources.
However, shifting cultivation also has several disadvantages. One of the main disadvantages is that it can lead to soil degradation and loss of fertility over time, as the land is repeatedly cleared and used for agriculture. It can also contribute to deforestation and the loss of biodiversity, as forests are cleared to make way for crops. Additionally, shifting cultivation is often associated with low crop yields and low levels of income for farmers, due to the limited resources and technology available.